I'd love to try some of the different French eau de vie, fruit liquers etc. that are favorites in France.Eau de prune? Eau de framboise? My plan is to taste a number in restaurants and then bring the one or two I like best home!Thanks for your ideas!

FWIW, Noilly-Prat has been sold and the formula obviously has changed. Has a very sweet finish I do not like. I've gone to Dolin Dry vermouth lately. Seems the pool of drinkable/cookable vermouths is shrinking.....

June - I think you need to broaden your search their are quite a few very good artisan Vermouths around (because Negroni's are in vogue?). Agree Dolin is good but there are better - however mainly Italian (and a few US ones) so not for here.

In France our standard aperitif is a Champagne for the better half or very dry white for me. Many restaurants have their own Champage cocktails or Kir style drinks which are often interesting ( but check the price - it can be a nasty surprise). To round off a meal I like a good sherry.